pistol

noun

pis·​tol ˈpi-stᵊl 

1

: a handgun whose chamber is integral with the barrel

broadly : handgun

2

: a notably sharp, spirited, or energetic person

pistol transitive verb

Synonyms

• dynamo
• fireball
• live wire

Examples of pistol in a Sentence

a real pistol, she dances rings around the other performers

Recent Examples on the Web

During the killing, the pistol jammed, but the gunman was able to clear the jam and kept firing before running off. —Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 5 Dec. 2024

Battle as a Mandalorian Nite Owl, Mandalorian Warrior, and two Imperial Commandos, each with their own blaster pistols and jetpack elements. —Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024

In the video, he is confronted by a man holding a pistol, identified by the authorities as Mr. Stines. —Kendra Sanchez, New York Times, 25 Nov. 2024

The professionals carefully position a pistol in his hand, put the barrel to his temple, and pull the trigger. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French pistole, from German, from Middle High German pischulle, from Czech píšt'ala, literally, pipe, fife; akin to Czech pištět to squeak

First Known Use

circa 1560, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pistol

• machine pistol
• pistol grip
• pistol-whip
• Very pistol
• water pistol

Kids Definition

pistol

noun

pis·​tol ˈpis-tᵊl 

: a short firearm made to be aimed and fired with one hand

Etymology

from early French pistole "pistol," from German pistole (same meaning), derived from Czech píšt'ala, literally, "pipe, fife"